The doll is thought to have gone missing somewhere around the Zoo’s Lords Walk carpark.

Speaking on their way home from Dublin, Claire said they have received a huge amount of support online, including one message from someone who believes they saw the doll close to the carpark.

Baby Matilda and her dolls

She added: “We were all over the zoo from about 9.30 this morning until about 1.45, but we didn’t find her. The zoo were so helpful and let us look at CCTV. It was quite blurry, but it seemed to show that I had her in the pram on my way out of the zoo which is what I have been thinking myself.

“We also got a message through Facebook, with this lady saying they think they saw her inside iron railings at a tree on the way down to the carpark. I can’t be sure if that’s right of course, but it sounds about right. We checked there today, though, and it wasn’t there so I don’t know what’s happened.

“Maybe a child saw it and took it, maybe it was dumped or someone lifted for some other reason. Who knows. I just hope someone somewhere knows and can help me find her.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by offers over Facebook from people offering me similar dolls they have. It’s so kind, but it’s just not the same doll which was given to me by a friend who had lost a baby herself, so it just wouldn’t be the same. All we can do is keep hoping someone has seen her and hears the story and gets in touch.”